Perennial Flower

When to Plant Lavender in Virginia

Fragrant, drought-tolerant, and beloved by pollinators. Once established, lavender rewards you for years.

The Short Answer

Virginia grows lavender well in the Blue Ridge mountains and parts of the Piedmont, and the state's growing agritourism industry includes several lavender farms. The Shenandoah Valley's well-drained soils and air circulation are particularly suited to the crop.

Virginia Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Virginia you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Mountain Virginia 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10
Piedmont/Central Virginia 7a, 7b Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 1
Tidewater/Coastal 7b, 8a Mar 20 - Apr 5 Oct 25 - Nov 10

Lavender Planting Schedule for Virginia

Mountain Virginia (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10

Start Seeds Indoors
10 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost

Piedmont/Central Virginia (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1

Start Seeds Indoors
10 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost

Tidewater/Coastal (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 20 - Apr 5 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 10

Start Seeds Indoors
10 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost

Growing Lavender in Virginia

State-Specific Growing Tips

Transplant from mid-April. Mountain and Shenandoah Valley: excellent conditions with well-drained soils and good air movement. Piedmont: raised beds with gravel for drainage, Phenomenal variety recommended. Tidewater: marginal due to humidity and heavy summer rain. Virginia Tech Extension includes lavender in its herb production guides.

Recommended Varieties for Virginia

Mountains/Valley: Hidcote, Munstead, Grosso. Piedmont: Phenomenal. Tidewater: not recommended. Virginia Cooperative Extension provides variety guidance.

Common Challenges in Virginia

Humidity in the Tidewater. Clay soil drainage in the Piedmont. Winter damage in the mountains' coldest microclimates.

Growing Tips

Needs excellent drainage — clay soil is lavender's enemy. Don't prune into old wood. English varieties (Lavandula angustifolia) are hardiest.

Companion Planting

Plant lavender alongside these companions for better growth:

Roses Thyme Sage

The Bottom Line

Lavender can be grown successfully in Virginia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Mountain Virginia gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Tidewater/Coastal sees frost end around Mar 20 - Apr 5. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Lavender Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Virginia Planting Calendar All plants for Virginia Lavender in Alabama Alabama planting dates Lavender in Alaska Alaska planting dates Lavender in Arizona Arizona planting dates Lavender in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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